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Stickman
22 June 2008, 15:14
http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4821%201028%20WEVO.jpg


While in the military, I was issued a stack of gear, with most of the clothing being fair at best. After getting out and getting into Law Enforcement, my issued items took a large leap in overall quality, with the exception of my issued jacket, which I call "The Sponge". Quality clothing in the form of jacket/ parkas has always been something that I have searched for on REI clearance racks, or listed as a wanted Christmas present. Quality doesn't come cheap, but I've got an old shell/ jacket that is worn through in areas after having been used hard since the mid 90s. Cheaper gear would have ripped apart a long time ago. The old saying comes to mind, if you buy quality, you only have to buy once.

This review is on the OTTE Gear Hard Shell. OTTE Gear comes from a background of rock and mountain climbing, and in talking with Todd At OTTE Gear, we've climbed in some of the same locations. It just goes to show how small of a world it can be.

Below is info taken from the OTTE Gear webpage, it gives insight into the direction this company is headed towards, and who is using their product.

http://www.ottegear.com/main.php


Otte Gear

When U.S. troops were deployed in the global war on terror, the clothing systems they had did not perform at the level they required. Otte was conceived to fill the gap, and began distributing to some of the most specific and elite special operations teams worldwide.

THE OTTE PRODUCT

Otte Gear presents two lines of technical operations gear:

* The Soft-Shell Alpine Line

* The Hard-Shell Patrol Line

Otte leverages real world, mountaineering and military experience to bring you the very best in tactical and military gear. Using the most innovative materials, we design product that truly functions -- the most waterproof breathable rainwear, the toughest stretch woven jackets, and pants capable of handling the most demanding scenarios.

Otte's products are designed to be lightweight, packable, and durable for individuals living out of their ruck sacks for extended periods.


Hard Shell/ Patrol Parka Attributes


PATROL PARKA

• 3-layer fabric is waterproof, fully seam-taped, and highly breathable

• Full parka length-cut

• High mobility hood stows in the collar, has two adjustments and is helmet compatible

• All zippers YKK water resistant

• Pit zips to avoid overheating and internal moisture build-up

• Two high volume low profile sleeve pockets accessible while wearing body armor

• Velcro on sleeve pockets for patches

• Two deep chest pockets located above belt line and can be accessed while wearing a ruck

• One handed draw strings on hood and hem of jacket

• Brushed chin guard lining

• Weight 31 oz (879 grams) in size large

• Sizes: Small - 2Xlarge

Stickman
22 June 2008, 15:15
Starting with the hood in its open position, you've got four different adjustment points. the military side of me usually keeps a hood off my head, and stowed in the collar, or just flat. In the case of this one, I have been out in rain hard enough to end those thoughts. The ability to adjust the hood while wearing gloves is a plus, and in my case, it was done while it was around 46 degrees with heavy wind and rain, and my hands were cold and lacking in dexterity. The adjustments work well, and allow for positioning the hood so that it will keep the rain from your face, while still allowing a good field of view. Obviously this depends in large part on your weather conditions, and gale force winds in your face are a lot different than mild winds at your back.


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4838%201028%20WEVO.jpg




http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4839%201028%20WEVO.jpg

Stickman
22 June 2008, 15:15
In the below pictures, you can see the hood folded in (both inside and outside). The collar is nice and high, which blocks out wind and is especially nice when you can't wear a hood. You can see that the seams are heavily taped. This shell does a nice job of blocking wind and I have yet to have water get in through stitching zippers. You can also see that wear points are heavily reinforced. Noteworthy to me was that the wear points are soft, and there is no stitching poking out to stab at your neck or scratch you.


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4835%201028%20WEVO.jpg


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4836%201028%20WEVO.jpg

Stickman
22 June 2008, 15:15
Sleeves are the next entry point for wind as we work out way down. The sleeves have both velcro and an elastic to keep them snug. The elastic works well, and after setting my initial velcro, I haven't found a need to adjust it.

One of the largest issues for me with most clothing becomes overall length in the arms of any jackets. The sleeves of the OTTE Gear Hard Shell fit me without any problems, and have the extra length needed to ensure I can reach out, bend my arms completely, and move about without having to worry about my long arms pulling the end of the sleeves up to my forearms. While working outside in inclement weather, this is a little thing that prevents wet underclothing, and greatly increases long term comfort.


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4822%201028%20WEVO.jpg


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4823%201028%20WEVO.jpg

Stickman
22 June 2008, 15:16
The waist of the OTTE Hard Shell is extended in the back, which creates additional security for working and bending over, as well as shooting from unusual positions. Roll over prone, various kneeling and sitting positions, as well as retrieving gear were no problem, and my back was left warm and dry without intrusion from wind or rain.

The zippers are heavily protected as seen in the picture, and water seeping through hasn't been a problem.

I think its worth pointing out that this gear is made for wearing equipment LBE/LBV/ Plate Carrier etc over the top of it. If you are looking to carry a concealed weapon, or if you carry additional gear underneath your outer garments, you may find that you need to order one size larger. The size large that I initially tried on fit perfectly, but it was a little too tight for concealing a pistol. By going with the next size up, I found it works much better for my needs. I find no fault on the part of OTTE Gear in this. The Hard Shell is designed for a specific purpose, and it does it well. Jumping up a size is just something to think about.


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4847%201028%20WEVO.jpg

Stickman
22 June 2008, 15:16
Interior draw strings and taping of seams are shown below. While wearing the Hard Shell I ran into a Search and Rescue team leader, who immediately grabbed the jacket, flipped it open, and commented about how much they liked the heavily taped seams. I have got to say that they were much more excited about the taping than I was, and I think they were a little disappointed that I didn't have better info for them, or at least cool seam taping stories to tell. To me, lack of water intrusion is whats important, and this does it well.



http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4833%201028%20WEVO.jpg

Stickman
22 June 2008, 15:16
Sleeve pockets have velcro covering (loop) in 4"x6" for identification, blood type, morale patches, flags, or whatever else you find yourself needing.

The zipper size is 7", which works well with the large pockets enabling you to hold a decent amount of gear. The below picture shows that the sleeve pockets swallow my Glock 19 without any trouble (not shown, but it will slide inside the pocket and still zipper easily). While I don't use my sleeve pockets to hold my Glock, it does a nice job of showing that they will hold some good sized items. The pockets are set back slightly farther than I am used to, and I found that I liked them this way.

I've thrown my cell phone into the sleeve pockets, and usually carry it that way. It makes for easy retrieval in a vehicle, and I can run a cord out for the ear piece if I need both hands free.


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4824%201028%20WEVO.jpg

Stickman
22 June 2008, 15:17
The Armpit zippers (Pit Zips) work well for bleeding off heat when you need to, and serve the addition purpose of allowing the wearer to grab for items worn underneath. While the OTTE Gear Hard Shell is designed to be work UNDER LBV/ LBE, it doesn't change that LEO and MIL have a need to stand out a little less at times. The 16" dual zippers make grabbing gear or weapons a fairly simple task, especially if you have laid your items out with a little thought.



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http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4832%201028%20WEVO.jpg

Stickman
22 June 2008, 15:17
The interior Chest pockets are cavernous, and dropping in a full size Sig P220 presented no problem. Likewise, I've thrown a full size LE radio inside, and been able to run my shoulder mike out to clip on the outside. The chest pockets have a full 9" length zipper, which gives good access.




http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_4831%201028%20WEVO.jpg

Stickman
22 June 2008, 15:17
In shooting, and active outdoors work, the shell has enough sleeve length and venting to keep you comfortable, and allows you to tailor the shell for your needs at that particular time.

After having had the Hard Shell for several months, I've had a pretty good chance to see how it does. I've had it out in downpours, heavy wind, and just about everything in between. I've not had it out in extreme cold, but since a shell isn't designed for warmth, I don't feel a huge need to include it in this review. When it comes to the elements and overall functionality, this shell works well, and I would recommend it without reservation.




http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Otte%20Gear/IMG_0958%201028%20WEVO.jpg

Stickman
24 June 2008, 14:44
Contact Information

http://www.ottegear.com/


Otte Gear LLC
332 Bleecker Street, #E10
New York, NY 10014
USA


646-233-4014 / voice
773-439-5237 / fax

info@ottegear.com